A little-known stopover city is proving a hit with savvy travellers wanting to save hundreds on long-haul flights to the likes of Dubai, offering plenty to explore in its own right.
TikTok’s travel gurus are at it again, this time with a savvy tip that could slash your holiday costs. One user called ‘nicoletravelandlife’ says Sofia, Bulgaria’s charming capital, is not just a picturesque city but also a smart choice for a stopover, saving you serious cash on flights to far-flung destinations like Dubai.
Manor FX’s founder Mario Van Poppel backs up this travel hack, noting: “By routing through Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, travellers can secure cheaper long-haul flights to destinations like Asia, the Middle East and even parts of Africa.”
He adds: “It’s a true hidden gem when it comes to travel savings as its southeast Europe location is closer to other continents. And it’s a more affordable layover than other European hubs.”
Not only does Sofia offer cheaper flight options, but Bulgaria itself is known for being kind to your wallet – a double win for thrifty explorers. With budget airlines aplenty and heavyweights like Emirates and Qatar offering competitive fares from Sofia, your dream holiday might be closer than you think, reports the Express.
Mario was keen to highlight Sofia’s allure, noting: “From Alexander Nevsky’s Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, to Vitosha Mountain, a short drive out of the city, there’s lots to see and do in Sofia.”
He also mentioned the local culinary delights, saying: “Visitors will also be treated to hearty local cuisine, such as the cheese-filled pastry called banitsa and kavarma, a slow-cooked meat stew, at a fraction of the cost to other cities in Western Europe.”
When it comes to putting your head down for the night, Bulgaria won’t break the bank, with Mario pointing out that mid-range hotels average £40-£60 per night. And for those who fancy a brew, beer prices hover around the £1.70-£2.20 mark.
The financial aspect is further simplified by the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is pegged to the Euro, offering stable exchange rates for travellers.
Mario added: “While it is planning to adopt the Euro, for now, Bulgaria remains one of the last countries in Europe to still have its own currency.”
For the culturally curious, Bulgaria’s banknotes serve up a dose of history, featuring prominent figures like Ivan Milandinov and Ivan Vazov, turning every purchase into a mini history lesson.
Mario suggested that holidaymakers could pocket even more savings by swapping their currency before they jet off, to dodge the unpredictable exchange rates in tourist hotspots.